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Abstract:

The applicator system is designed to distribute agriculturally beneficial
matter across a field. The system includes a supply reservoir and an
agitator assembly that grates and abrades matter in the supply reservoir
until the abraded matter precipitates out of the supply reservoir and
onto a supply conveyor. The supply conveyor conveys the matter to a
distribution device. The distribution device meters the matter onto at
least two lateral distribution conveyors. At the end of each of the
distribution conveyors the matter is funneled downwardly into an open
trench created by a trenching device associated with each distribution
conveyor. After the matter is deposited into the trench, a trench closing
assembly directs soil back into the trench and compresses the soil
surface.

Claims:

1. An applicator system for distributing matter, the system comprising:a
hopper at least partially enclosing the matter;an agitator rotor in
communication with the hopper so that the matter from the hopper is
engaged by the agitator rotor;a grating screen adjacent to the agitator
rotor, the agitator rotor directing matter into the grating means so that
the rotor and the grating means abrade the matter;a pivoting agitator
frame enabling the agitator rotor to swing away from the grating screen
when the agitator encounters a non-abradable object;a supply conveyor
receiving the matter from the grating screen the supply conveyor
conveying the matter away from the agitator rotor and the grating
screen;a distribution device receiving the matter from the supply
conveyor and metering output of the matter through a plurality of
apertures;at least two distribution conveyors receiving the matter from
the distribution device and transporting the matter laterally away from
the distribution device;at least two distribution funneling assemblies,
each funneling assembly receiving matter from one of the respective
distribution conveyers and directing the matter downwardly;at least two
trenching assemblies, each trenching assembly receiving matter from one
of the respective distribution funneling assemblies, each of the
trenching assemblies penetrating a ground surface and opening a trench in
the ground surface so that the matter is directed into the trench; andat
least two trench closing assemblies, each trench closing assembly being
connected to one of the respective trenching assemblies, each trench
closing assembly directing soil displaced by the associated trenching
assembly back into the trench and compressing a surface of the
soil;wherein the matter is deposited in the trench so that nutrients
within the matter are able to nourish associated plants.

2. The applicator system of claim 1 further comprising a pivoting agitator
frame enabling the agitator rotor to swing away from the grating means
when the agitator encounters a non-abradable object.

3. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the grating means comprises a
grating screen.

4. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the hopper comprises a
reservoir having at least first and second angular walls, the first
angular wall being disposed opposite the second angular wall, the first
and second angular walls directing the matter downwardly into the
agitator rotor.

5. The applicator system of claim 4 wherein a first edge of the grating
screen is connected to the first angular wall, and an oppositely disposed
second edge of the grating screen is connected to the second angular
wall.

6. The applicator system of claim 5 wherein the agitator rotor comprises a
plurality of blades, the grating screen extending concentric with the arc
of the agitator rotor blades.

7. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the matter distribution device
comprises a sweeping means that sweeps the matter into the plurality of
apertures.

8. The applicator system of claim 7 wherein the sweeping means
comprises:at least two sprockets positioned in the center of the
distribution device, at least one of the sprockets driven by a motive
force;an endless chain connecting the two sprockets;a plurality of
support links integrated into the chain; anda plurality of sweeping bars,
each sweeping bar extending from one of the plurality of support
links;wherein as the chain rotates around the sprockets, the support
links in the chain carry the sweeping bars in a generally circular orbit
so that the sweeping bars are propelled around the distribution device
and thereby sweep the matter into one of the plurality of passages.

9. The applicator system of claim 8 wherein each of the sweeping bars has
a plastic leading edge so that the plastic leading edge slides across the
base of the distribution device and thereby reduces the friction between
a base of the distribution device and the sweeping bar.

10. The applicator system of claim 9 wherein the body of the sweeping bar
is comprised of metal and has an inverted "L" cross section.

11. The applicator system of claim 8 wherein the base of the distribution
device has a generally oval shape and a wall that extends around the
perimeter of the oval base.

12. The applicator system of claim 11 wherein an outer end of each of the
sweeping bars passes adjacent to the wall as the sweeping bars rotate
around the distribution device.

13. The applicator system of claim 12 wherein the passages are rectangular
and are positioned in a center portion of the sweeping bar's rotation.

14. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein each of the at least two
distribution conveyors comprises:an endless mesh chain conveying assembly
having a receiving end and an oppositely disposed distribution end; the
mesh chain conveying assembly receiving the matter from the passages at
the receiving end and carrying the matter laterally away from the
distribution device;an elongated trough having first and second vertical
walls, the mesh chain conveying assembly at least partially operating in
the trough between the vertical walls;a strike-off plate extending from
the first vertical wall to the second vertical wall, a selected height of
the strike-off plate above the mesh chain conveying assembly controlling
the height and volume of matter proceeding to the distribution end of the
mesh chain conveying assembly;a retaining shield adjacent the
distribution end of the mesh chain conveying assembly, the retaining
shield directing the matter downwardly as the matter leaves the
distribution end of the mesh chain conveying assembly; anda flexible
curtain receiving the matter from the retaining shield and directing the
matter further downwardly.

15. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the distribution funneling
assembly comprises a retaining shield attached to the distribution
conveyor, and a flexible curtain attached to the lower edge of the
retaining shield.

16. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the trenching means
comprises:a coulter disc cutting a crease in a soil surface as the
applicator assembly moves forward;a trenching blade, a leading edge of
the trenching being concentric with a lower trailing edge of the coulter
disc, the trenching blade sliding into the crease cut by the coulter
disc;a pair of vertical trench enlargement plates, the leading edges of
each of the vertical trench enlargement plates being connected to the
trenching blade, each of the trench enlargement plates angling outwardly
away from the trenching blade, the trench enlargement plates creating a
furrow in the soil; anda material receiving section comprising at least
two vertical receiving plates, a leading edge of each of the vertical
receiving plates being attached to a trailing edge of each one of the
respective vertical trench enlargement plates, the material receiving
section receiving matter from one of the at least two distribution
funneling assemblies.

17. The applicator system of claim 16 wherein the lower edge of the
coulter disc extends below the lower edge of the trenching blade so that
the coulter disc rides up over obstacles that would otherwise snag the
trenching blade.

18. The applicator system of claim 17 wherein the trenching blade has a
wedge-shaped configuration

19. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the trench closing means
comprises at least one pair of inwardly cambered closing wheels and at
least one tail wheel, the inwardly cambered closing wheels directing the
soil into the trench to backfill the trench and the tail wheel smoothing
the surface of the backfilled trench.

20. The applicator system of claim 19 wherein the pair of inwardly
cambered closing wheels is attached to a closing wheels pivoting frame, a
first end of the closing wheels pivoting frame being attached to the
trenching means, the closing wheels pivoting frame pivoting the closing
wheels vertically so that the closing wheels maintain contact with the
soil.

21. The applicator system of claim 20 further comprising a pivoting tail
wheel mechanism, the pivoting tail wheel mechanism compressing the soil
and ensuring that the tail wheel maintains contact with the soil.

22. An applicator system for distributing matter, the system comprising:a
hopper assembly, the hopper assembly comprising:a conical reservoir for
receiving matter, interior walls of the conical reservoir directing
matter downwardly toward the cone vertex;an agitation shaft extending
into the reservoir;a plurality of wing members extending parallel to the
interior walls of the reservoir, each wing member having an inner end and
an oppositely disposed outer end;a plurality of agitator pegs extending
outwardly from the wing members;a plurality of wheels, each wheel
attached to an outer end of a wing member;a linkage connecting the inner
end of the wing member with the agitator shaft;a pivotable pin joint
attaching the linkage to the agitator shaft, anda base rotary component
attached to the agitator shaft adjacent to the pin joint;wherein a
rotational force is applied to the agitator shaft so that the wing
members, the agitator pegs, and the base rotary component abrade the
matter in the reservoir;a matter distribution device receiving matter
from the reservoir, the matter distribution device comprising a plurality
of sweeping bars sweeping the matter into a plurality of passages;at
least one distribution conveyor receiving the matter from the matter
distribution device;at least one trenching assembly receiving the matter
from one of the at least one distribution conveyors so that the material
is directed into a trench in the soil; andat least one trench closing
assembly attached to the at least one trenching assembly, the trench
closing assembly directing soil displaced by the associated trenching
assembly back into the trench and compressing a surface of the soil.

23. The applicator system of claim 22 wherein the base rotary component
has an inverted U configuration.

24. A method of distributing matter comprising the steps of:providing a
reservoir;propelling the reservoir in a forward direction;depositing
matter in the reservoir so that the matter flows downwardly;directing the
matter through an agitator assembly comprising an agitator rotor and a
grating means so that the matter is grated and broken into small
chunks;conveying the matter essentially parallel to the direction of
travel;depositing the matter in a distribution device;sweeping the matter
into one of at least two vertical passages so that the matter is
precipitated onto at least two distribution conveyors, each of the at
least two distribution conveyors being associated with one of the at
least two vertical passages; the matter being swept around an oval base
of the distribution device by a plurality of horizontally extending
sweeping bars;receiving the matter from the vertical passages and
conveying the matter perpendicular to the direction of travel via a
distribution conveying means;transferring the matter from the conveying
means to a distribution funnel assembly so that the matter is directed
downwardly into a trenching means;opening a trench in the ground with the
trenching means so that the matter from the distribution funnel assembly
is directed into the open trench;closing the trench with a trench closing
means and compressing the soil on a surface of the closed trench.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein, in the sweeping step, the matter is
swept around an oval base of the distribution device by a plurality of
horizontally extending sweeping bars, each of the sweeping bars having a
plastic leading edge.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein, in the transferring and opening steps,
the trenching means is comprised of a coulter disc followed by a
trenching blade, attached to trench enlargement plates, and a material
receiving section attached to the trench enlargement plates.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein, in the closing step, the trench
closing means is comprised of a pair of inwardly cambered closing wheels
and a tail wheel mechanism.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the inwardly cambered wheels are
connected to the trenching means by a pivoting frame which ensures that
the inwardly cambered wheels maintain contact with the soil as the
applicator system moves in the forward direction.

29. A method of distributing matter comprising:providing a reservoir
having an inverted conical shake so that a vertex of the inverted cone is
oriented downwardly, the reservoir having an aperture at the vertex of
the conical reservoir;extending an agitation shaft into the
reservoir;positioning a plurality of wing members in the reservoir in an
essentially vertical position, each of the wing members having an upper
end and a lower end, the lower end being connected to the agitator shaft
adjacent the vertex of the conical reservoir, the upper end comprising an
axle, a wheel being attached to the axle, the wheel being positioned
adjacent the agitator shaft;appending a base rotary component to the
shaft adjacent the aperture;depositing matter in the reservoir so that
the matter flows downwardly around the agitator shaft and wing members
and toward the aperture at the vertex of the conical reservoir;rotating
the agitator shaft, the wing members abrading the matter as the wing
members rotate, the base rotary component rotating with the agitator
shaft to ensure that the aperture does not become clogged;continuing to
rotate the agitator shaft, the upper end of the wing members moving away
from the agitator shaft to a position between the agitator shaft and
inner walls of the reservoir;further rotating the agitator shaft, the
wing members moving away from the agitator shaft until the wheels contact
the inner walls of the reservoir and all the matter precipitates through
the aperture and out of the reservoir;receiving the matter precipitating
out of the reservoir on a supply conveyor and conveying the matter to a
matter distribution device;sweeping the matter in the distribution device
into at least one passage so that the matter is precipitated through the
passage and onto a distribution conveyor;conveying the matter via a
distribution conveying means;transferring the matter from the
distribution conveying means to a distribution funnel assembly so that
the matter is directed downwardly and into a trenching means;opening a
trench in the ground with the trenching means so that matter from the
distribution funnel assembly is directed into the open trench;closing the
trench with a trench closing means and compressing the soil on a surface
of the closed trench.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein, in the positioning step, the wing
members further comprise agitator pegs extending outwardly from the wing
members.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]This invention relates to an applicator system and method for
distributing biodegradable and non-biodegradable matter. Specifically,
the current invention is a method and apparatus for creating a plurality
of shallow trenches and depositing matter in the trenches. In the
preferred embodiment, poultry litter is deposited in the trenches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Approximately 8.5 billion broilers are raised and harvested by the
domestic poultry industry every year. The manure by-product of the
industry is mixed with absorbent materials such as pine shavings, rice
hulls, or peanut hulls to create a biodegradable product commonly known
as "poultry litter". The industry generates approximately 17 million tons
of poultry litter per year. The litter is high in nitrogen and
phosphorous and consequently makes an excellent fertilizer, however there
are problems and issues associated with the agricultural application of
the litter.

[0003]The most common method of applying the litter to farmland is to
simply broadcast the litter across the surface of the soil. Although this
method is relatively quick and inexpensive, it is inefficient and may
damage the environment. To be beneficial, the nutrients within the litter
must vertically penetrate the soil to reach the root systems of the
associated crops. However, heavy rains may dissolve the soluble materials
within the litter and carry the nutrients away from the crops and into
the area watershed, thereby contaminating local lakes and streams.
Further, in areas where litter is applied repeatedly to the soil surface,
the chemical nutrients within the litter may become concentrated on the
soil's surface so that associated crops are damaged or otherwise
adversely affected. Consequently state and federal guidelines may
prohibit further surface application of litter until levels of some of
the potentially damaging chemicals have decreased and normalized.

[0004]An alternative approach is to trench a field and simultaneously
place the litter (or other materials) into a relatively deep trench so
that a greater amount of material can be deposited without the
environmental problems associated with surface applications. This
approach is described and exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,119 to
Washington et al (hereinafter "Washington"). However, the dimensions of
the trench described in Washington preclude this method from being
employed in close proximity to the root systems of crops, which could be
damaged by the deep trenching process. Further, the deep trenching
process is relatively slow and a significant amount of power is required
to tow the Washington placement device, particularly in applications in
which multiple trenching devices are employed simultaneously.

[0005]The need exists for an apparatus capable of placing poultry litter
(or any other matter) at a sufficient depth so that the nutrients
associated with the matter are not easily lost to runoff. The
biodegradable matter should be placed at a sufficient depth to facilitate
the penetration of the soil by the fertilizing elements of the matter,
but shallow enough not to disturb row crops. The current invention allows
the placement of biodegradable matter in multiple trenches that are two
to three inches in depth and allows a side-dress application that is
compatible with row crops.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]The current invention comprises an applicator system and method for
distributing matter. In the preferred embodiment, the applicator system
distributes poultry litter in an agricultural application. The current
invention includes a hopper that at least partially encloses the matter.
An agitator rotor is in communication with the hopper so that the matter
from the hopper is engaged by the agitator rotor. A grating means
adjacent to the agitator rotor grates and abrades the matter until it
precipitates out of the reservoir and onto a supply conveyor.

[0007]The supply conveyor conveys the matter away from the agitator rotor
and the associated grating means and into a distribution device. A
sweeping means within the distribution device sweeps the matter into a
plurality of apertures in the base of the distribution device.

[0008]At least two distribution conveyors receive the matter from the
distribution device and transport the matter laterally away from the
distribution device. Distribution funneling assemblies receive the matter
from the respective distribution conveyers and direct the matter
downwardly. Individual trenching assemblies receive the matter from each
of the respective distribution funneling assemblies. Each of the
trenching assemblies opens a trench in the ground so that the matter from
the associated funneling assembly is directed into the trench. A trench
closing assembly associated with each trenching assembly directs soil
displaced by the trenching assembly back into the trench and compresses
the surface of the soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is an environmental aspect view of the current invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic of the process described in the current
invention.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view (from above) of the agitator
assembly and hopper of the current invention in accordance with the
preferred embodiment.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the agitator and hopper
showing a truncated rotor and a pivoting frame assembly.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 4 showing
the frame pivoted upwardly.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a front perspective partial sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of the agitator and storage reservoir.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a front perspective partial sectional view (from above) of
the trenching assembly of the current invention.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view (from below) of the primary
components of the trenching assembly.

[0019]FIG. 11 is a front perspective view (from above) of the trenching
assembly with the proximal inwardly cambered wheel removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020]The present invention comprises an applicator system for the
agricultural distribution of biodegradable matter. Although biodegradable
matter is preferred, matter which does not degrade (such as fly ash)
should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 1 is a functional environmental perspective view of the
applicator system AS of the current invention. In the preferred
embodiment, the applicator system AS is towed across a cultivated or
non-cultivated area behind a tractor T, via a tool bar 10, however, the
motive force may be provided by any type of vehicle, and may include a
self-propelling means.

[0022]FIGS. 1 and 2 provide a general operational overview of the
applicator system AS. As the applicator system AS moves forward, the
hopper assembly 30 delivers biodegradable matter to a supply conveyor 50.
The supply conveyor 50 transports the matter in the direction of the
arrow 52 (FIG. 2) and deposits the matter into a carousel-type
distribution device 60. The distribution device rotation assembly 66
sweeps the biodegradable matter in the direction of the arrow 62 so that
portions of the matter are deposited through the passages 76 and on to
one of four distribution conveyor systems 80. At the end of the
distribution conveyor system 80 the biodegradable matter is deposited
into a trench created by a trenching assembly 90. A trench closing
assembly 110 directs the soil back into the trench after the
biodegradable matter has been deposited. Each of the major components of
the applicator system AS will be described in greater detail in the
following paragraphs.

[0023]As best shown in FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the hopper
assembly 30 is comprised of a storage reservoir 32 with generally angular
walls 34 so that the biodegradable matter is gravity-fed to a rotor
assembly 36 that is positioned at the vertex of the reservoir's angular
walls 34. The rotor assembly 36 includes a rotating shaft 38 with a
plurality of rotor blades 40 positioned adjacent to a grating screen 42.
Specifically, the grating screen 42 is oriented to be concentric with the
lower perimeter of the arc of the rotor blades 40. Opposite edges of the
grating screen 42 are connected to the lower edge of each of the
reservoir's angular walls 34.

[0024]As shown in FIG. 3, in operation, biodegradable matter is
gravity-fed by the reservoir's angular walls 34 into the rotor assembly
36. As the rotor shaft 38 turns in the direction of the arrow 39, the
rotor blades 40 force the biodegradable matter downwardly against the
grating screen 42. As the matter is forced downwardly, it is sifted
through the screen 42 and precipitates out of the storage reservoir 32.
Large aggregations or masses of biodegradable matter that are not
initially small enough to pass through the screen 42 are grated and
abraded as the rotor blades 40 force the matter against the grating
screen 42. Eventually the churning and abrading process breaks up and
disperses any remaining clumps of the biodegradable material.

[0025]Occasionally a relatively large, hardened, non-abradable mass is
inadvertently mixed with the biodegradable matter in the storage
reservoir 32. The introduction of a large rock or metal object (for
example) into the rotor assembly 36 may cause severe damage to the
assembly 36. Consequently, one aspect of the current invention is a
pivoting frame mechanism 44, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The pivoting
frame mechanism 44 is comprised of a base member 46 and a pivoting member
48 that are joined at pivot point 47.

[0026]FIG. 4 shows the rotor system 36 in the normal operating position.
However, as best shown in FIG. 5, when the rotor assembly 36 encounters a
large non-abradable object, the pivoting member 48 may rotate upwardly in
the direction of the arrow 49 so that the gap between the arc of the
rotor blades 40 and the grating screen 42 is increased, thereby allowing
the non-abradable object to pass.

[0027]In an alternative embodiment, the pivoting member 48 may have a
shock-absorber type configuration so that the pivoting member 48 may
contract and/or elongate as required to relieve the stress at the pivot
point 47. In a further embodiment, the pivoting member 48 may be
spring-biased downwardly toward the grating screen 42 to increase the
pressure on the biodegradable matter between the rotor blades 40 and the
screen 42, and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the grating screen
42.

[0028]FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the hopper assembly 30. In
the alternative embodiment, the interior of the storage reservoir 32 has
a generally conical shape so that the biodegradable material is funneled
downwardly. At least two wing members 31 and a vertical agitator shaft 29
extend into the conical reservoir 32.

[0029]The agitator shaft 29 is driven by a hydraulic motor or the like
(not shown) positioned at the top of the shaft 29. The agitator shaft 29
extends downwardly along the vertical centerline of the conical storage
reservoir 32. The wing members 31 are attached to the lower end of the
agitator shaft 29 via a linkage assembly 45 and a pivotable pin joint 33.
Wheels 35 mounted to the upper end of each wing member 31 allow each wing
member 31 to sweep close to the inner surface of the angular walls 34 of
the storage reservoir 32 without dragging on the surface of the walls 34.
Agitator pegs 37 extend from each of the wing members 31 to facilitate
the abrasion process. An aperture 41 in the bottom of the reservoir 32
allows biodegradable matter to flow out of the storage reservoir 32.

[0030]In operation, the wing members 31 are initially positioned
vertically so that the wheels 35 are adjacent the agitator shaft 29. As
the wing members 31 begin to rotate, they move outwardly toward the
angular walls 34 of the reservoir 32. As the wing members 31 continue to
rotate, they abrade the biodegradable matter in the storage reservoir 32
so that abraded matter precipitates through the aperture 41 and out of
the reservoir 32. A base rotary component 43 attached to the lower end of
the vertical agitator shaft 29 rotates with the agitator shaft 29 and
reduces any tendency for clumps of matter to bridge and clog the aperture
41. In the preferred embodiment, the base rotary component 43 has an
inverted U-shape.

[0031]In further alternative embodiments, the hydraulic motor may be
positioned below the reservoir 32 and the agitator shaft 29 may extend
upwardly into the reservoir.

[0032]As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the biodegradable matter passes
through the hopper assembly 30 and is deposited on the supply conveyor
50. In the preferred embodiment, the supply conveyor 50 extends the
length of the grating screen 42 and deposits the biodegradable matter
into the distribution device 60. The supply conveyor 50 of the preferred
embodiment is a belt-type conveyor with flow-enhancing projections 54
extending laterally across the conveyor belt 56. In alternative
embodiments, the supply conveyor 50 may be of any type known in the art
consistent with the function of moving the biodegradable material from
the hopper assembly 30 to the material distribution device 60.

[0033]As shown in FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the distribution
device 60 is an oval carousel-type mechanism. Biodegradable matter is
deposited in the receiving end 64 of the distribution device 60 and swept
around the oval base 65 in the direction of the arrow 62 by the
distribution device rotation assembly 66. The rotation assembly 66 is
comprised of at least two sprockets 68 connected by an endless chain 70.
The rotation assembly 66 also includes a plurality of sweeping bars 72
that extend from the chain 70.

[0034]As shown in FIG. 7, the sweeping bars 72 are spaced around the oval
orbit of the chain 70. The inwardly facing end of each sweeping bar 72 is
connected directly to support link 71 in the chain 70 so that each
sweeping bar 72 extends normal to the associated support link 71. In the
preferred embodiment, the sweeping bars 72 are linear pieces of inverted
"L" shaped angle iron.

[0035]The leading edge of the sweeping bars 72 may include a plastic
extension 73 that slides across the distribution device base 65 as the
sweeping bars 72 rotate. The plastic extension 73 reduces the frictional
drag on the sweeping bars 72 and also reduces adhesion of the
biodegradable matter to the sweeping bars 72. The device 60 may also
include a housing (not shown) that covers the sprockets 68 and chain 70
and prevents the biodegradable material from interfering with the
sprockets 68 and chain 70 and generally accumulating in the center of the
base 65.

[0036]As shown in FIG. 7, the distribution device 60 also includes a
retaining wall 74 disposed around the perimeter of the base 65. The outer
edge of the sweeping bars 72 pass adjacent to the retaining wall 74. The
function of the retaining wall is to ensure that the biodegradable
material is retained within the distribution device 60. As the sweeping
bars 72 rotate, the biodegradable matter is swept into one of a plurality
of passages 76 and out of the distribution device 60.

[0037]In alternative embodiments, the sweeping bars 72 may be rotated by
any means known in the art, and the shape of the bars 72 may be modified
to enhance the sweeping process. For example, the sweeping bars 72 may
have a "V" or a semicircular shape so that the matter at the edges of the
bars 72 is directed toward the center portion of the bars 72. The shape
of the bars' 72 cross section may also be modified as required.

[0038]Further, although the passages 76 are shown as rectangular and
positioned to coincide with the center of the sweeping bars, in
alternative embodiments the shape and position of the passages 76 may be
modified. The shape of the passages 76 may include any shape known in the
art, and the size of the passages 76 may be enlarged or contracted as
required by a specific application. Additionally, the specific position
of the passages 76 may also be varied so that an individual passage 76
may be positioned adjacent the retaining wall 74, adjacent the chain 70,
or in an intermediate area between the retaining wall 74 and the chain
70.

[0039]After the biodegradable material passes through the passage(s) 76,
it is deposited onto one of the distribution conveyor systems 80. FIG. 2
shows the position of the distribution device 60 relative to the
distribution conveyor system 80 in accordance with the preferred
embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the configuration of one of the individual
distribution conveyor systems 80. Although the preferred embodiment
includes four distribution conveyor systems 80 corresponding with four
passages 76, a greater or lesser number of conveyors 80 and corresponding
passages 76 should be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0040]As shown in FIG. 8, the distribution conveyor system 80 includes a
mesh chain conveying assembly 81. The mesh chain conveying assembly 81
comprises two sets of conveyor sprockets 82 that rotate a mesh chain 84.
The mesh chain conveying assembly 81 primarily operates within an
elongated trough 86. A strike-off plate 85 extends laterally across the
trough 86 and essentially limits the depth (and consequently the volume)
of the biodegradable matter traveling down the conveyor system 80.

[0041]As the matter leaves the delivery end 88 of the mesh chain conveying
assembly 81, it is directed downwardly by a distribution funneling
assembly 83 shown in FIG. 8. The distribution funneling assembly 83 is
comprised of a retaining shield 87 and a flexible curtain 89. The
retaining shield 87 is attached to the elongated trough 86 on the
delivery end 88 of the mesh chain conveying assembly 81. The retaining
shield 87 directs the flow of the biodegradable matter downwardly into
the flexible curtain 89. The flexible curtain 89 is appended to the lower
edge of the retaining shield 87 and directs the material further
downwardly into the trench created by the trenching assembly 90.

[0042]FIG. 9 shows the specific configuration of the trenching assembly
90. As the applicator system AS is propelled in the direction of the
arrow 92, the leading edge of a coulter disc 94 initially breaches the
soil. The coulter disc 94 is immediately followed by a trenching blade 96
which slides into the fissure created by coulter disc 94. The lower edge
of the coulter disc 94 is generally positioned just below the lower edge
of the trenching blade 96 so that the trenching blade 96 will not snag on
rocks and other solid objects. This configuration enables the trenching
blade 96 to ride up over obstacles and prevents damage to the trenching
assembly 90.

[0043]The leading edge of the trenching blade 96 is contoured to be
concentric with the lower trailing edge of the coulter disc 94. In the
preferred embodiment, there is an approximately one sixteenth-inch gap
between the leading edge of the trenching blade 96 and the trailing edge
of the coulter disc 94. The relatively close positioning of the coulter
disc 94 to the trenching blade 96 serves to minimize accumulation of crop
residue (particularly corn stalks) and soil on the leading edge of the
trenching blade 96. Although a gap of one-sixteenth inch is preferred, a
larger or smaller gap should be considered within the scope of the
current embodiment.

[0044]As shown in FIG. 9, the trenching blade 96 is generally planar and
extends away from the coulter disc 94 so that the trailing edged of the
trenching blade 96 is disposed between two vertically extending trench
enlargement plates 98. The trench enlargement plates 98 are angled
outwardly so that they further increase the width of the trench created
by the trenching blade 96 and the coulter disc 94 as the trenching
assembly 90 moves in the direction of the arrow 92.

[0045]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the underside of the forward
portion of the trenching assembly 90. A plastic insert 106 that extends
across the bottom portion of the trench enlargement plates 98 so that
soil and plant residue does not become lodged in the crevice between the
trailing portion of the trenching blade 96 and the trench enlargement
plates 98.

[0047]In the preferred embodiment, the funnel plates 104 are comprised of
plastic or a similar flexible material. The plastic construction of the
funnel plates 104 prevents damage to the plates 104 or the components of
the supply conveyor system 80 if the trenching assembly 90 is
unexpectedly deflected upwardly into the body of the applicator system
AS.

[0049]The inwardly cambered closing wheels 112 are positioned and angled
to correspond with the location of the soil displaced by the trenching
assembly 90. Specifically, the wheels 112 are positioned to contact the
displaced soil on the lateral edges of the trench and direct the soil
back into the trench. The wheels 112 are mounted on a pivoting frame 114
that extends longitudinally from the matter receiving section 100 of the
trenching assembly 90. The frame 114 pivots downwardly and may be
spring-biased so that the inwardly cambered closing wheels 112 remain in
contact with the soil as the applicator system AS moves over uneven
terrain.

[0050]As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, a tail wheel mechanism 116 follows the
inwardly cambered wheels 112. The tail wheel mechanism 116 flattens and
compresses the surface of the soil that has been directed into the
trench. The tail wheel mechanism may also incorporate a pivoting frame
assembly 115 (see FIG. 11) that maintains the tail wheel 116 in contact
with the soil.

[0051]As shown in FIG. 2, a toolbar 10 extends across the front portions
of the trenching assemblies 90. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 four-bar
parallel linkages 93 connect the trenching assemblies 90 to the toolbar
10. The linkages 93 allow the position of the trenching assemblies 90 to
be adjusted laterally. Similarly, the mesh chain conveying assemblies 81
may be laterally adjusted so that the delivery ends 88 of the mesh chain
conveying systems 81 correspond with the positions of the respective
trenching assemblies 90.

[0052]In operation, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9, as the applicator
system AS is propelled forward via the tool bar 10, the coulter disc 94
slices through the soil creating a narrow crease. The trenching blade 96
immediately follows the coulter disc 94. Vertically-extending trench
enlargement plates 98 attached to the trenching blade 96 enlarge the
trench. The biodegradable matter leaves the conveying assembly 81 and is
directed downwardly by the distribution funneling assembly 83 into the
matter receiving section 100. As the applicator system AS continues to
move forward, the inwardly cambered closing wheels 112 direct the
displaced soil back into the trench, thereby covering the deposited
matter. A tail wheel mechanism 116 levels and compresses the backfilled
soil.

[0053]For the foregoing reasons, it is clear that the invention provides
an effective and innovative means of applying matter (preferably
biodegradable poultry litter) to a planted field or in other agricultural
applications. The current invention may be modified in multiple ways and
applied in various technological applications. The current invention may
be modified and customized as required by a specific operation or
application, and the individual components may be modified, as required,
to achieve the desired result. Although the materials of construction are
generally not described, they may include a variety of compositions
consistent with the function of the associated component. Such variations
are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled
in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following
claims.